Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam once said, ‘A dream is not that which you see while you are sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep”. I had never dreamt of becoming a teacher. At the age of sixteen, I was a simple girl having no goals, not so ambitious and not so confident. After finishing my high school in modern high school at GaneshKhind, Pune, there weren’t much options, for an average student like me. I took admission in Bharat English School, Shivajinagar, Pune. On my father’s advice, later on I did DEd from Raja Shivaray Pratishthan College, Pune. According to my father, teaching field was the most secure job for a woman of that time. So, I applied to D.Ed. and stepped into the field of education. After I finished my diploma, my life took a new turn and shaped my perception of this wonderful field. Along with the diploma, I also did a certificate course in Physical Education (CPEd.) through the Maharashtra Mandal, in Pune. At the end of this course, we went for a four days camp. In this camp I learnt so many things like leadership, group dynamics and teamwork. We also learnt group activities, group discussions, skits, plays & quizzes etc.
At the end of the camp, one guest lecturer had come to address us. In his speech, he mentioned one shloka that changed my life, and it is still embedded in my mind. पितर: केवल जन्म हेतव: आचार्य कृणते गभ॔मत: It means,“We are only born through our Parents, but are shaped and sculpted by our Teachers”. After listening to these thoughts, I realized the very essence of being a good teacher in my life and my passion for teaching was born here.
My first job as a teacher was at Balshikshn Mandir, at Queens garden Pune, my journey began and now here I am standing on my feet, feeling utterly grateful and proud to be a teacher. In this school after first three years, I was given the responsibility of classes 1 to 4 classes. I felt proud myself while handling this position. Due to less pay I changed the job.
My next job was at Cygnet Public school from 2009, here too I enjoyed the training of being a leader. I was made in charge of exam dept., houses in charge & handled 1 To 5 classes. I left Cygnet school due to my daughters X class examinations. After that I joined DDGEMS in the academic year, 2016-17, during early years I handled few important things here too.
And then the turning point in my life had arrived, as a senior most & experienced teacher in 2019, I got an opportunity to be a part of preparing school planner & Time Table, planning activities etc. with the leader of school. He is the first person in my life who understood my true potential. From here on I took & executed every responsibility which was given to me. I was in charge of Examination & SMC. I learnt to operate CBSE website, different areas of it, Trainings, circulars etc. In simple words, I would like describe our leader of school as, “TRUE LEADERS DON’T CREATE FOLLOWERS, THEY CREATE LEADERS”. My message to you young teachers is that, be a good teacher, be like a candle, burn yourself to light the way for others. Believe yourself & your leader too. Accept challenges to grow. A teacher should have a learning attitude.
Awaken to new avenues of time, grab the knowledge from wherever you get. Accept the job given, share your knowledge, don’t hold it, it will spoil your image as a leader. Teachers’ can achieve all round development in this profession. Work consistently, persistently, don’t beg for reward, don’t forget, in the end award is yours. I sincerely thank the management of school for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this organization. I also would like to know thank each one at DDGEMS, because your support, I tried my best in the school.
I am grateful for all my teachers, who came in my life, for enlightening my life and turning me into a strong, confident and a passionate teacher. Always remember words of APJ Kalam, “Some of the brightest minds in the country can be found on the last benches of the classroom”. Sky is the limit to your growth, be a true nation builder!!!
The author Mrs.Pranita Shitole, is a Senior Teacher at Dr.Dada Gujar English Medium School, Pune. (99234 03125)
1 Comment
Great Pranita, I am proud of you. I always used to see your efforts.With handling all the domestic responsibilities you are doing so much work. Love you. God bless you.